Though no concrete decisions were taken during the inaugural rendez-vous, the head of state considers the meeting a success “from a symbolic [point-of-view]”, as he told RTL after the meeting. There are no doubts about the solidarity towards Ukraine and the “unity of 44 European countries” against the Russian aggression and for common solutions on the continent.  

The European Political Community (EPC) is an initiative by French president Emmanuel Macron, which was then set up by the European Council and Czechia, which currently occupies the rotating presidency of the council of the EU.

All 44 participants--representing the 27 EU member states and other countries on the European continent like Turkey, the UK or Moldova--were present for the first meeting. Following a general discussion between all members, nations were split into smaller working groups. Bettel, who talked with leaders of Turkey, Lithuania, Georgia, France and Azerbaijan among others, said that it had been an opportunity “to talk with one another” instead of holding speeches to one another.

The impact of the war in Ukraine, the energy crisis and inflation were on the agenda during the meeting. Bettel, as he told RTL, reminded of the importance to “be careful that the internal market doesn’t break down.”

“If it breaks down, we will suddenly not have access to anything anymore.”

The next meetings of the EPC will take place in Moldova, Spain and the UK. This decision is also seen as symbolic as Moldova is representative Russia's projection of power on the Balkans and Spain the touted to central Europe. The meeting in the UK could show a will to maintain post-Brexit cooperation.

The heads of state and government of the 27 EU member states are convening in Prague again on 7 October, for an informal meeting to discuss the economic situation, the war in Ukraine and the energy crisis.